By Abby Lapides
With the vast amounts of perennials available, making selections can be daunting. Over the years we’ve tried and observed thousands of perennials, and have found that some are far superior than others. We found that Starship Cardinal Flowers far outshine older varieties.
Considered the best in their class, Starship Cardinal Flowers, Lobelia, dazzles with their majestic spires of jewelled-toned flowers.Robust and vigorous growers, and with well-branched stems, they bring stunning color and fantastic architectural interest to the garden.They produce more blooms over a longer period of time than other varieties.
Earlier to bloom than other Cardinal Flowers, their flowers may appear as early as mid to late June. Starship Burgundy Lobelia will enliven gardens and containers with its deep carmine blossoms that really pop on its near black stems. Starship Blue brings deep blue flowers. A favorite with the pollinators, expect to see swarms of butterflies and hummingbirds with these gems. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Use Cardinal Flowers in rain gardens, cottage gardens and pollinator gardens. Fantastic in containers, alone, or with other plants. When planting with other plants use it in the center as the “thriller.”
Starship Cardinal Flowers are hardy perennials that will return year after year. Plant in full sun to part shade in soil that has been amended with organic matter. They prefer consistent moisture. Keep well watered, especially when plants are budding up and blooming, and during dry spells. You can order these and other long-lived perennials for curbside pickup on Sugar Creek Gardens Online Plant Shop: www.sugarcreekgardens.com.